Downing bagged his first Premier League goal for the Reds â€“ some 17 months after his ÂŁ20million move from Villa.

â€śI was pleased for Stewart and it was no surprise to me as Iâ€™ve seen him perform like that many times throughout his career,â€ť Gerrard told the Liverpool Echo.

â€śHeâ€™s had a tough time but credit to him because he hasnâ€™t felt sorry for himself. He has rolled his sleeves up to try to prove people wrong.

â€śIt wasnâ€™t just Saturday, in the past few games, whether heâ€™s been at left-back or further forward, he has done well. He has created chances for the team and has been posing a threat. We all need to carry on where we left off against Fulham.â€ť